What is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
At Luke’s Place, we provide support to women who have been subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV). Their stories are powerful reminders that abuse is not always visible and that understanding what IPV really looks like is essential to offering meaningful support.
IPV does not always look like bruises or broken bones. Sometimes, it is hidden in emotional manipulation, threats, financial control, legal bullying, or the slow erosion of someone’s independence and self-worth. If we want to help survivors find safety and justice, we need to be able to recognize IPV in all its forms.
What Is Intimate Partner Violence?
IPV is a pattern of behaviour used by one partner to gain and maintain power and control over the other. This can happen in any intimate relationship regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or background, and can include a wide range of tactics, not all of them visible from the outside.
While physical and sexual abuse are common forms of IPV, abuse can also be emotional, psychological, financial, spiritual, social, or legal in nature. Abusers may use one or more of these tactics to isolate, intimidate, and maintain control over their partner.
Who Is Affected by IPV?
IPV can impact anyone, but women are disproportionately affected, especially those who face intersecting barriers due to race, disability, sexual orientation, immigration status, or economic insecurity.
Understanding how systems of oppression compound the effects of IPV is critical to supporting all survivors, especially those most at risk.
Let’s Work Together to End IPV
Understanding intimate partner violence in all its forms is a vital first step in creating safer communities. Whether you are a survivor, a supporter, or a service provider, we all have a role to play in recognizing abuse, believing survivors, and standing up for justice.
If you or someone you care about is subjected to IPV, you are not alone.
For more information on what IPV is, and practical step-by-step guidance for navigating the family court system please visit:
